Culver City-based nonprofit Jazz Hands For Autism (JHFA) has announced that it will be honoring GRAMMY-winning Earth, Wind & Fire member Philip Bailey with the WayMaker Award at its 25th Jazz Hands Concert Series on Saturday, May 23.
According to a statement, “Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Janet Grillo will also receive the Trailblazer Award for her groundbreaking work amplifying autistic voices through film and media.”
JHFA empowers autistic individuals through professional music education and career pathways. “Founded 12 years ago, JHFA is the only nonprofit of its kind, combining professional music education with vocational training and employment pathways for autistic individuals,” a bio reads. “JHFA provides 600+ hours of individualized training per student annually, has facilitated 200+ performance gigs (75% paid), generated $52,000+ in collective musician earnings as of December 31, 2025, and created a first-of-its-kind sync music library composed entirely by neurodivergent artists, including a GRAMMY-nominated album. JHFA has drawn interest from six continents, with 300,000+ impressions on its Concert Series.”
This particular evening will feature “an exclusive fireside conversation with Bailey, live performances by JHFA’s neurodivergent musicians, formal award presentations, a red carpet, and a dessert reception. Culver City Mayor Freddy Puza and music industry leaders will be in attendance.”
Bailey’s foundation, Music is Unity, co-founded with his daughter Trinity Bailey, “supports youth aging out of foster care through music, a mission that mirrors JHFA’s own.”
“Mr. Bailey’s impact on our musicians goes far deeper than his legendary catalog. When he taught a masterclass at JHFA, he gave our students an anchor experience they carry every time they pick up their instruments,” said Dr. Ifunanya Nweke, Ed.D., Founder and Executive Director, JHFA. “We’re honored to celebrate him for his musical genius and his commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation of music professionals, neurotypical and neurodivergent alike.”
“When I was coming up, somebody gave me a chance to be heard,” said Bailey. “That changed everything. Talent doesn’t think one way, and neither should opportunity. That’s what JHFA is about — real stages, real opportunities for neurodivergent musicians who deserve to be heard.”
“It is because of organizations like JHFA that our kids are seen, that they are heard, that their talents are displayed for the world to see,” said Areva Martin, Esq., Civil Rights Attorney & Founder, Special Needs Network. “Our families are strong, our families are loving, our families are united, and programs like JHFA make our community so much stronger.”
JHFA said that the WayMaker Award recognizes “transformative contributions to autistic lives through the arts. The Trailblazer Award honors those who have broken new ground in elevating autistic stories and experiences.”
Find out more at jazzhandsforautism.org.